Well organized to handle the largest crowds. Enjoyed Holi, pre Diwali, mahae Shivratri. Well…read morerotated through each festival.

Nice peaceful place, well organized n managed temple in USA…read more A must visit for every Hindu

I've only been to 2 IBPS temples (one in Hacienda Heights in California and this one). I have to…read moresay though, this one is much smaller than the one in Hacienda Heights, making it more intimate and giving it more of a cute community feel. It's very nice inside; lots of windows and natural lighting throughout the day. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming. So, even if you're not Buddhist, you should go visit it!!!

Have been twice and was greeted warmly both times. It's a mindful and peaceful space with beautiful…read moregrounds.

Before I start, let me preface this by saying I have spent a lot of time at temples all across Asia…read moreand have also been to handful of temples in the US. In many of the cases, I did not speak the host-site's language, but for me it was just as rewarding as Buddhism is just as internal and personal as it is external and engaged. Aside from some basic greetings, this temple is run in 100% Vietnamese. I should also say that I generally visit this site for meditative reasons and have not actively sought to join the local Vietnamese Buddhist community represented here. Now, let's talk about this temple. First of all, it's still under construction and from what I can tell, will be completed once a larger, free-standing temple is constructed in the neighboring lot. That being said, there is a ranch-style house connected to a large meditation room where services are held. The services, conducted in Vietnamese, are held at 9am and 11am on Sunday mornings, however, people seem to be there most of the time. When you pull up, there is usually some form of music playing -sometimes it's wind-chimes and other times it's chanting. I generally make my way to the back of the temple where there is a large garden filled with statues of Buddha. There you will find statues honoring/representing significant events in Buddha's life (renunciation, enlightenment, first teaching and entry into Nirvana. There are also pagodas, a small mausoleum and a statue of a Bodhisattva. If you keep making your way to the back, you will come across an excellent pagoda sitting in front of a swamp. It's perfect for Buddhists and naturalists who see immense beauty in the barren yet lively swamps. I usually do my prostrations there and meditate for an hour or so. No one ever bothers me or is pushy. I will continue to visit this temple and perhaps update once I know more about the community. I gave this four stars because I have yet to engage many of the people and feel it would be wrong to give it five without first doing that.

Warm, friendly church with wonderful ministerial staff and a great children and youth programread more

Coming from a long line of ancestral Quakers or "Friends", attending a First-Day service is quite…read morenatural for me. Now, I've been here a number of times now (as well as other "meetings", so I'm familiar with the style, approach, philosophy, and background of the modern un-programmed service), but for those of you a bit unfamiliar with it, let me fill you in briefly. First of all, do your homework and study Quaker philosophy, history and modern progressiveness. The Raleigh meeting is un-programmed meaning that the first hour is conducted in complete silence. The idea, of course, is that one is closest to God when in silent meditation. For me, a Buddhist, this works very well as an hour in silence is more of a gift. Now, this works so well because, honestly, how often do you get to sit in a room of fifty people in complete silence? Never, and this meeting gives you that. It allows you to sit and practice mindfulness - something that we all need. Secondly, no matter what your faith is, you'll be welcomed here. It's an older crowd, but the vibe is very low-key, friendly, and compassionate. After all, we do live in North Carolina - a state with a huge Quaker presence and history. Ever heard of Greenville (NC, SC, TN)? How about Greensboro (NC)? How about Natty Greene's Brewery? Well, thank Nathanael Greene, a Quaker by birth, who also was one of the most influential generals (I know the contradiction) during the American Revolution. The Quaker's are a part of history, and taking an hour on Sunday to visit the small meeting house is worth it.

A faithful, loving family of God!…read more With a focus on the learning and commitment to the Word of God, every hour spent here treats His believers to the blessings of fellowship with Him.

Mt. Pleasant Worship and Outreach Center is a place where love grows and lives blossom. It's a…read moreBible base church where you are taught the true word of God. The Pastor is friendly, compassionate and loves the lord. If you are looking for a Bible base church, check out Mt.Pleasant Worship and Outreach Center, you want leave like you came in. Carol

During our trip to Cary, we visited the Cathedral again. It is as impressive on the second visit as…read moreit was on the first. The cathedral is HUGE and can seat 2000 people. I enjoyed walking around the sanctuary and looking at the statues, including statues of Saints of Color. Many of the stained glass windows are from closed Catholic churches in other communities (Philly, I think). I have not had the opportunity to attend mass here, and that is something I'd like to do on a future visit to the area. There is plenty of parking and helpful staff. There are places nearby to eat, if you need that. Both visits, we've eaten at Sammy's Tap & Grill.

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral and one of my favorite places to visit…read morewhenever I return to Raleigh. On Christmas Eve, I attended the midnight service, and the cathedral was packed all the way out the doors. It was truly beautiful--music, praise, and worship filling the space in a way that stayed with me long after I left. As an active-duty U.S. Navy Diver, life often keeps me far from many of the places that bring peace and reflection. Raleigh has always been one of those places for me. It is not only where I wrote Purple Rose: The Stars Carry Her Name -- Letters from Me to Her, or the city of the woman I wrote the book to, but also a city where I have found moments of calm, purpose, and kindness. Though my time at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral has been limited, whenever I go, I am always met with warmth. It is a beautiful place, and one I look forward to visiting again. JamesVThePoet.com